Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated “Aarambh,” a state-of-the-art library in Old Rajinder Nagar, in a bid to benefit Delhi’s student community.
This is the first of several such libraries being developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to provide affordable and safe reading spaces for students. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, DDA Vice Chairman Vijay Kumar Singh, and senior DDA officials.
“Aarambh is designed to cater to students’ needs around the clock. The library is equipped with multiple modern facilities, including high-speed WiFi, a cafeteria, personal lockers, power outlets at every seat, air conditioning during the summer months, and access to newspapers and magazines. Separate toilet facilities for men and women and outdoor seating areas further enhance the library’s amenities,” a statement by the DDA said.
It added that with a capacity to accommodate over 60 students at one time and nearly 200 individuals round the clock, ‘Aarambh’ provides students with an affordable and conducive environment for studying. The library charges are set at approximately one-sixth of the current market rate for private study spaces in the area.
In his address, Saxena emphasized his commitment to providing a safe, secure, and affordable space for students. “This library will go a long way in helping students achieve academic success by providing them with a convenient, peaceful environment to focus on their studies,” he said. The facility is under constant CCTV surveillance, ensuring safety for students who use the library at all hours.
He also noted that nearly 85 per cent of the total seats had already been filled by students, reflecting the high demand for such facilities.
“The DDA is actively working to expand this initiative, with plans to open more libraries in various parts of Delhi,” the LG said.
The DDA, under the direction of the Lt Governor, has identified several under-utilized community centers across the city to be converted into libraries and reading rooms. Five new libraries are already in the pipeline at locations including Adhchini, Vikaspuri, Dwarka Sector 16B, and Rohini. These upcoming libraries will accommodate 40 to 60 students at a time and offer similar amenities to ‘Aarambh’.
The establishment of these libraries follows a tragic incident in July last year, when three students lost their lives due to drowning in the basement reading room of a private coaching center in Rajinder Nagar. Following the incident, Saxena visited the site and assured the protesting students that he would take immediate action to provide safe and affordable reading facilities.
